ROCKETS SOLD FOR $2.2 BILLION

Houston Rockets owner Leslie Alex

ander has agreed to sell the team for a record $2.2 billion to restaurant and casino billionaire Tilman Fertitta.

The Rockets announced July 17 that Alexander, who bought the team for $85 million in 1993, had put the team up for sale. “I am truly honored to have been chosen as the next owner of the Houston Rockets,” Fertitta said in a release from the team. “This is a life-long dream come true. Leslie Al- exander has been one of the best owners in all of sports, and I thank him immensely for this opportunity. He has the heart of a champion.” The release noted the imperfect timing of the transaction after Hurricane Harvey. “It is truly unfortunate that this announcement is occurring amidst the aftermath of one of the biggest tragedies in our great city.” Fertitta, who lives in Houston and grew up in Galveston, Texas, is CEO of Landry’s Inc., which owns restaurants, casinos, hotels, aquariums and a high-end car dealership. The Los Angeles Clippers were sold in 2014 for $2 billion to